At Last—At Last explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Cost of Ambition

  Phineas refuses a government post, feeling it was offered due to his notoriety rather than merit, and reflects on the compromises of political life.

• Love and Sacrifice

  Phineas proposes to Madame Goesler, and she accepts, leading to their engagement despite his lack of fortune.

• Scandal and Public Opinion

  Phineas's refusal is attributed to his ordeal from the murder accusation, and his story about Fitzgibbon highlights the hypocrisy in public life.

Characters to notice

• Phineas Finn

  Refuses Mr. Gresham's offer, returns to Matching, proposes to Madame Goesler, and is accepted.

• Madame Max Goesler

  Discusses Phineas's decision with him, accepts his marriage proposal, and shares the news with the Duchess.

• Duchess of Omnium

  Congratulates the couple and suggests they marry at the same time as Adelaide Palliser.

• Lord Cantrip

  Expresses regret that Phineas did not accept the position.

• Sir Harry Coldfoot

  Hopes Phineas will not oppose them in politics.

• Sir Gregory Grogram

  Comments that Phineas was upset by the trial and may recover in time.

• Laurence Fitzgibbon

  Mentioned in Phineas's story about political pliability and official hypocrisy.

• Plantagenet Palliser

  The Duke expresses sorrow at Phineas's refusal but says no more.

Key passages

• “I remember once, when I was a child, having a rocking-horse given to me because I had fallen from the top of the house to the bottom without breaking my neck. The rocking-horse was very well then, but I don’t care now to have one bestowed upon me for any such reason.”

  Phineas compares the offer of office to a reward for surviving a dangerous fall, feeling it is undeserved.

  Phineas explains why he refused the position, feeling it was given due to his notoriety from the trial.

• “It is only a trifle. Mr. Finn has asked me to be his wife.”

  Madame Goesler casually announces her engagement to the Duchess.

  Madame Goesler confirms her acceptance of Phineas's proposal.

• “I am very glad that you did not take office under Mr. Gresham. Of course when I was advising you I could not be sure that this would happen. Now you can bide your time, and if the opportunity offers you can go to work under better auspices.”

  Madame Goesler expresses relief that Phineas refused the post, as their engagement now gives him more freedom.

  Madame Goesler reflects on Phineas's decision in light of their engagement.